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Bill

Bill

HB 1795

Addressing restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Callan and 5 co-sponsors

Washington bill restricts school restraint and isolation practices on students, establishing safety protocols while raising concerns about implementation costs and student management alternatives.

Public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations at 9:00 AM.
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Bill Summary · HB 1795

Legislative bill overview

HB 1795 restricts the use of physical restraint and isolation practices on students in Washington public schools and educational programs. The bill establishes new protocols, documentation requirements, and limitations on when and how these crisis intervention techniques can be employed with students.

Why is this important

Restraint and isolation practices have been documented to cause physical and psychological harm to students, particularly those with disabilities and students of color who experience disproportionate use of these tactics. This legislation directly affects how schools manage student behavior and crisis situations, potentially reshaping discipline practices statewide while raising implementation and training costs for districts.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: School districts will need staff training, policy updates, and alternative crisis management strategies, raising implementation expenses during budget constraints
  • Student safety vs. restrictions: Schools argue restraint/isolation are necessary safety tools for dangerous situations; advocates counter these practices are overused and harmful, creating disagreement on appropriate limitations
  • Enforcement and liability: Defining clear exceptions and enforcement mechanisms may be difficult, potentially creating legal disputes between schools, families, and the state over violations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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